BREDA - The future of numerous essential LGBTQ+ services in Breda is in jeopardy after the municipality drastically reduced its subsidy to COC Tilburg-Breda e.o., a key regional support organization. The group received just €6,200 from the "Samen doorpakken Breda 2026" fund, a sum it says is insufficient to maintain its core activities, forcing it to issue a public cry for help.
'Symbolic Politics' Over Sustained Support
The decision has been sharply criticized by the organization as an act of "symbolic politics." While the year-round funding for support groups was slashed, the municipality fully funded the one-day Breda Pride event. COC Tilburg-Breda argues that this prioritizes a single day of visibility over the consistent, year-round support needed by vulnerable community members.
"We find it unacceptable that the Municipality of Breda finds it more important to present itself as an inclusive 'rainbow city' for one day, but allows the permanent support groups to fall by the wayside," the organization stated in a public announcement. They described the €6,200 grant as a "pitiful" amount that overlooks the real needs of the community.
Vital Community Groups at Risk of Closure
Without adequate financial support, a wide range of established and valued initiatives are now facing termination. These programs serve diverse segments of the LGBTQ+ community, from youth to seniors and refugees. The groups at risk include:
- YoungPride & Jong&Out: Support groups for young people.
- Roze50+: A social and support network for older LGBTQ+ individuals.
- T-Breda: A dedicated group for the transgender community.
- Cocktail: An initiative focused on supporting LGBTQ+ refugees.
- Leesclub Roze Letters: A queer book club.
- Cultural activities such as Drag Workshops, Queer Film nights, and a Queer city walk.
The organization highlights the significant community impact that is now under threat. With over 7,000 visitors annually, COC Tilburg-Breda is run by 70 volunteers who contribute more than 49,000 hours of work per year. "Apparently, that is only worth €6,200," the statement lamented.
A Flawed and Chaotic Application Process
The funding decision was the culmination of what COC describes as a "messy" and flawed subsidy application procedure, marked by significant errors and poor communication from the municipality. The organization detailed several critical issues:
- A sudden change in the application procedure, giving organizations only two weeks to adapt.
- A data leak that occurred within the municipality during the process.
- The application was initially rejected for a "missing document," which, upon review, was confirmed to have been submitted correctly.
- Communication of the final decision was delayed until midway through the first quarter, creating uncertainty.
- COC also reported that municipal policy officers acknowledged flaws in their own assessment system and noted that the total subsidy ceiling of €69,000 for all LHBTIQA+ and Diversity, Gender & Inclusion initiatives was too low.
Ultimately, while COC Tilburg-Breda met the assessment criteria, they were told the budget had already been allocated to other applicants.
The organization has now issued an urgent appeal to local politicians, the media, and residents of Breda to help save these vital community services from disappearing.
